The Counterfeiters

Stefan Ruzowitzky, Austria/Germany, 2007, 98 minutes

Set during the second world war, the Counterfeiter follows the Jew Saloman 'Sally' Sorowitsch, a professional counterfeiter during the largest counterfeiting operation of all time. Sorowitsch was living a stylish life forging money and passports in Nazi germany until he is caught and sent to concentration camps. He survives using his art until he is sent to become part of the German forging operation Operation Bernhardt.

The film portrays the strain of the Jews as they struggle to survive and adjust to this change of circumstances within the camp itself. Well-filmed and emotive this 2007 Austrian film is well worth watching, and is not just another movie about Nazi Germany. It raises questions of trust and hope, as well as the strained relationship between Sorowitsch and the head of the camp, the man who arrested him in the first place. An affective and excellently portrayed film.

Review by Rachel Mackerrow
Written for EUFS Programme Autumn 2007